distribution of regional issues

chuckstobbs

What was the method of distributing 1954 Gunther Beer Bullets and 1961 Union Oil basketball cards? Were they given away as premiums with the purchase of beer and gasoline, or sold outright, or just given away for free as promotional items like "trade cards" of the early days? Thanks.

blue227

If Union Oil has been consistent with their promos over the years, they would pass out a different player for each week of the promotion. This would encourage customers to return each week if they wanted a complete set. As one of the early and then few official sponsors of the L.A. Dodgers, they'd run their promotions during the baseball seasons and advertise the promotions on Dodger radio broadcasts encouraging listeners to get the week's latest freebie (a portrait, glass, booklet, cup, etc.)